Change Up Casual Entertaining with a Shrimp Boil...and Regional Twists

HUNT VALLEY, MD (June 2008) - "Nothing says summer like a shrimp boil," according to Jasper White, Executive Chef at Boston's Summer Shack restaurant. "Simple to prepare, easy to clean up and great for any size summer gathering, a shrimp boil is the perfect warm weather complement to an icy cooler full of your favorite brew."

White has joined forces with OLD BAY® Seasoning and a team of chefs across the country to add a whole new dimension to the ultimate casual summertime entertaining classic - the shrimp boil. Thanks to the popularity and accessibility of shrimp, the boil is a perfect change of pace to the typical barbeque fare, no matter how landlocked your summer get-together.

A one-pot wonder that needs no utensils or plates, the basic "recipe" is culinary simplicity at its best. Shell-on shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob and onions are boiled in a mixtrue of water, OLD BAY and a can of beer (optional) for good measure. What's more, the pot can be boiled over a campfire, on a grill or just the kitchen stove.

"In no time you'll have a tasty shrimp boil that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser," said White. "A shrimp boil is great for a small or large gathering of friends and family; the rule of thumb is the better the crowd, the bigger the pot."

Jasper White

Laurence Edelman

Andrea Froncillo

REGIONAL RIFFS ON THE CLASSIC

Though the basics of the boil may ring true from coast to coast, local favorite flavors and ingredients mix it up with regional variations. To help salute the shrimp boil this summer, fellow chefs from across the country have joined OLD BAY with their own deliciously distinctive twists:

For a Bostonian take on the boil, chef Jasper White includes littleneck clams and linguiça (a regionally popular Portugeese sausage).

Laurence Edelman, of New York hot spot The Mermaid Inn, shakes it up with local produce from New Jersey and a flavorful microbrew from Brooklyn.

Serving a traditional OLD BAY shrimp boil is also a snap. It can be as simple as dumping the contents in the center of a paper-covered picnic table or party-sized serving tray. Then, let your crew roll up their sleeves nad dig in. It's the essence of casual summer enjoyment - eating with your fingers covered in flavor and trying something new and fun.

What could be more fun? Newspapers covering the table. Fingertips full of flavor. No food brings people together quite like a shrimp boil. Just roll up your sleeves and enjoy piles of steaming, delicious shrimp.

3. Drain cooking liquid. Pour contents of pot into large serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon OLD BAY Seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges on the side

Makes 6 large servings

*Tips from Chef Jasper White: Crush the plum tomatoes with your fingers as you add them to the pot. If using larger potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks. If Portuguese sausage is unavailable substitute chorizo.

Executive Chef Laurence Edelman, of the legendary Mermaid Inn in New York City, spices up a simple, yet deeply flavorful boil sure to win over ever the toughest food critics in the country...New Yorkers. Local pale ale, produce, and fiery peppers make for an unbeatable combination

Spice Your Seafood. For 60 years, OLD BAY has been "The Definitive Seafood Seasoning," with a famous blend of twelve herbs and spices. From shrimp and crab to salmon and tilapia, OLD BAY helps seafood everywhere reach its full flavor potential.

Sprinkle on Popcorn and Fries. For savory snacks that make your taste buds tingle, just keep the little yellow and blue can handy.

Create Sandwich Heaven. Make your taste buds happy by adding OLD BAY to mayonnaise. Use it as a spread on any meat, fish or veggie sandwich.

Shake It on the Grill. Impress backyard guests by using OLD BAY on chicken, fish and steak instead of your usual grilling spices.

Take Corn to Another Level. The only thing better than fresh corn-on-the-cob? Corn on the cob sprinkled with OLD BAY. Mix it into butter or shake directly on the cob for a delicious twist.

Make the Ultimate Bloody Mary. Celery salt - a key ingredient in OLD BAY - gives the classic Bloody Mary its signature taste.

Jazz Up Potato and Pasta Salads. Give the summer classics a whole new life by adding in some OLD BAY.

Spice Up Eggs. Hard-boiled, scrambled, deviled or fried, eggs and egg salad are tastier when you add OLD BAY.

Put Some Bang into Burgers. Mix OLD BAY in with ground meat when forming patties or simply sprinkle it on top.

Substitute for Salt and Pepper. Swap the salt and pepper shakers for the unmatched taste of OLD BAY. From fried chicken and ribs to burgers and corn, make sure OLD BAY has a place on the table to kick up the flavor in your favorite dishes.